Cyclone relief to Myanmar

By Kestur Vasuki Bangalore, June 9 (ANI): As part of the humanitarian assistance to Cyclone Nargis ravaged areas of Myanmar under the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) 30 metric tonnes of food has been airlifted from Bangalore to save thousands of malnutrition children in Myanmar. Talking to Asian News International (ANI) Shyam S Dubey, Head Procurement and Logistics of WFP has said that this would help save thousands of children affected by cyclone in Myanmar. WFP in collaboration with Indian manufacturers developed in innovative Ready to Use Food for Children (RUFC) by MTR, which has energy dense, protein-enriched, and fortified with an array of micronutrients that will help children maintain optimal growth. One Daily ration will provide most of the required nutrients to meet the needs of these children. The RUFC is in form of a paste, does not require cooking or addtion of water. It is to be consumed directly from the pouch. Thirty metric tonnes of the RUFC were airlifted from BIAL and sent to directly to Yangon for dispatch to delta region. Overall, WFP estimates that its food assistance has reached over 500.000 beneficiaries in the cyclone affected areas of Myanmar. Rice oil, high energy biscuits, ready to eat meals, cereals, has been airlifted. WFP hopes to supply food for over 750000 people in a period of six months with an estimated cost of 70 million dollar. (ANI)